It hasn't changed much over the last three thousand years since the Mexicans were throwing rubber balls through slabs of stone.

Back then they used to fill them with sacred plants.

As the game has developed over the last 100 years they have opted for a safer and more pleasant content called air.

Some balls are still made of rubber but leather and synthetic material are also used.

And some quick stats.

The circumference of a full-sized ball should be between 75-78 centimetres and must be blown up to weigh between 567-650 grammes.

Smaller balls are sometimes more fun to play with but they would have to be kept in the cupboard for competitions.